4/22
Public Policy
To increase acceptance of an RSV vaccine, explain the FDA’s vaccine approval process
A new report by Penn’s Annenberg Public Policy Center shows a need for more public visibility of the FDA’s rigorous review process to sway public opinion about the safety of vaccines and maternal health during pregnancy.
People with a conspiracy mindset resist childhood vaccination
Research by Dan Romer and Kathleen Hall Jamieson of the Annenberg Public Policy Center explains the role that having a conspiracy mindset plays in adult reluctance to vaccinate children.
The risky business of homeowners insurance
State Farm, the largest insurer in California, has stopped writing new home insurance policies there, citing “rapidly growing catastrophe exposure.” In a Q&A, Wharton’s Benjamin Keys discusses climate change and its risk to the real estate market.
PGA Tour-LIV Golf merger
In the wake of the controversial golf deal, Benjamin L. Schmitt of the School of Arts & Sciences and the Kleinman Center discusses “sportswashing,” malign influence campaigns, and steps global democracies can take to prevent it all.
Sonja Dümpelmann on designing nature
Sonja Dümpelmann, professor of landscape architecture, explores ‘the reciprocal relationship’ between humans and their environments.
To protect children online, researchers call for cross-disciplinary collaboration
A team of neuroscientists and legal experts, including Gideon Nave of the Wharton School, published a perspective in Science drawing attention to the need to develop science-backed policies that take into account children’s vulnerabilities in the digital world.
Beyond America’s racial fault line
Professor of practice Ben Jealous discussed race, politics, America’s long history of interracial collaboration, and his new book with Camille Z. Charles during a co-sponsored event at Kelly Writers House.
What is the future of Social Security?
As Social Security continues to march toward insolvency, Olivia S. Mitchell of the Wharton School discusses current policy debates and the role of financial literacy in achieving reform.
Restricted abortion access linked to increased suicide risk in young women
Research from the University of Pennsylvania and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia determined that this association exists for women of reproductive age, findings that hold potential clinical, policy, and ethical implications.
The uncertain future of DACA
Sarah Paoletti of Penn Carey Law’s Transnational Legal Clinic sheds some light on a federal appeals court ruling earlier this month.
In the News
Biden’s student loan repayment plan is being challenged. Here’s what to know
Kent Smetters of the Wharton School attributes $235 billion of the cost of the SAVE loan repayment plan to its increased generosity relative to existing plans.
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Ready or not, self-driving semi-trucks are coming to America’s highways
Steve Viscelli of the School of Arts & Sciences says that autonomous trucking could change the geography of the U.S. economy in the way that railroads and shipping did.
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After four years with COVID-19, the U.S. is settling into a new approach to respiratory virus season
Kathleen Hall Jamieson of the Annenberg Public Policy Center says that the sense of urgency around vaccination has faded as attention on respiratory viruses wanes.
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Americans’ confidence in science remains high, finds new review
A survey by the Annenberg Public Policy Center suggests that most Americans continue to have confidence in science and scientists.
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More high schools are requiring financial-literacy classes. The pandemic may have played a key role
In a co-authored journal article, Olivia Mitchell of the Wharton School explains when financial education is at its most effective.
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Wage gap statistics: The numbers behind pay disparity
Olivia Mitchell of the Wharton School says that lack of financial literacy is a solvable problem that’s contributing to the wage gap.
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